Education
Rural electrification agency, others push for smart, sustainable cities – EnviroNews
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The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN) and Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Abuja Chapter, have reaffirmed their commitment to smart city development and the nation’s sustainable digital transformation.
Managing Director, REA, Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said this during the inauguration of the steering committee for the 4th Edition of Technology Ecosystem Dialogue (TED) 2026/Abuja Tech & Digital Economy Week.
He was represented at the event held in Abuja on Friday, July 10, with the theme: “Energising Smart Mobility: Powering Cities of the Future” by an assistant director in the agency, Mr. Bala Tyoden.
Aliyu said the collaboration between the energy and technology sectors was meant to achieve sustainable development.
He said that the agency’s mandate extended beyond rural electrification to supporting innovation, research, productive-use infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and digital development.
Aliyu said that continuous engagement with innovators and private sector stakeholders would accelerate the deployment of modern energy solutions and strengthen Nigeria’s transition toward smart and sustainable communities.
He further said emphasised that technological innovation and strategic partnerships remained essential in developing resilient energy systems capable of supporting future cities.
The Executive Secretary of YIN, Joy Buba, emphasised the importance of collaborative governance in building smarter and sustainable cities.
She said that integrating technology, digital innovation, renewable energy, and intelligent mobility would improve the quality of urban living and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to her, the technology ecosystem dialogue provides a strategic platform for government institutions, the private sector, academia, development partners, and innovators.
She said it would enable them to jointly develop practical solutions that would position Abuja as a leading smart city while advancing Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
The LOC chairman who is also the chairman of NCS, Abuja Chapter, Mr. Andrew Abu, officially inaugurated the Programme Steering Committee.
He described the technology ecosystem dialogue as a strategic platform for shaping policies, strengthening partnerships, and driving innovation across Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
He said that the 2026 edition would bring together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, academia, development partners, investors, startups, and government institutions.
According to him, they will advance conversations around smart mobility, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and emerging technologies.
Abu charged members of the committee to work collaboratively toward delivering a world-class event that would strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
He also urged them to strive to produce a template that would empower young innovators, attract strategic investments and position Abuja as Africa’s leading destination for technology and digital economy conversations.
The technology ecosystem dialogue 2026 /Abuja Technology and Digital Economy Week is scheduled to hold from Nov. 25 to 27.
It is expected to attracted political leaders, technology-related companies, innovators, investors, development partners, academia, and policymakers.
They are anticipated to shape the future of smart cities, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
By Olasunkanmi Onifade